Trying to decide between a 2009 328i vs. 2008 335i

NightHawk96 · 12-02-2008, 07:47 PM

Alright, so I'm on the market for a new 3-series bimmer, and I've narrowed down my choices to the following 2 cars:

2009 BMW 328i (Custom order; ETA of two months)
Jet Black on Beige Leatherette
Sports Pkg.
Premium Sound Pkg.
Nav Pkg.
Manual

2008 BMW 335i (Already on the lot; ETA of two weeks)
Black Sapphire on Black Dakota
Sports Pkg.
Premium Pkg.
6-speed Auto w/Paddle Shifters

Now initially, I was going with the 328i, but after inquiring about the 2008 335i's with the dealership salesman, he told me that the above 335i was available for only $30 more monthly, which currently has me considering that heavily as well.

I know that the 70hp difference is noteworthy; and having test-driven both, have felt firsthand that the 335i has more gallop to it, but I'm still torn between the two because the 328i would be spec'd exactly the way I want it:

Nav pkg. - I'll definitely be taking the car on some road trips, and all reviews have the new iDrive as being a fantastic all around system
Premium Sound pkg. - I've heard that the Logic7 gives you amazing sound for the money, and that it beats the hell out of the standard sound setup
Sports pkg. - the traditional caveats, plus the high-gloss shadowline trim and slick new 17' rims that are new for 2009
Beige interior

Unfortunately there weren't any 08 335i's with the above options AND the Sports package, so the Sports & Premium were all I could get on it.

Like I mentioned above, from the short test drive I took with both, the 335i had more kick to it at higher speeds, but the 328i was no slouch either. So it has me wondering - should I go with the proven better drive at a great price w/o the options I want, or should I go with the car that isn't as good of a drive, but has what I'd want for a good (but not as good) price on it's own.

I'd really appreciate the input of anyone who's had mucho experience driving both. Will I appreciate the 335i a lot more the more I drive it, or is the 328i good enough?

Decisions decisions.

balance · 12-02-2008, 07:54 PM

i would go for the 335i..you can always get a portable navigation

ase2dais · 12-02-2008, 07:58 PM

I normally do say this but here it is

335i

dchen2 · 12-02-2008, 08:01 PM

In the USA 2008 335i/xi's have the Logic7 premium sound system standard. It was just in 2009 that BMW made the premium sound a option on 335i/335xi's.

So assuming BMW Canada had the same setup as BMW USA the 335i will have the same sound system as the 09 328i with premium sound upgrade.

If you plan on modding your car and like driving fast, it is much easier and cheaper to increase the power of the 335i thanks to the twin turbos compared to the NA engine in the 328i.

I came from a Lexus GS430 with a V8 engine and really like low end torque so the effortless low rpm power of the 335i made the 328i not even a consideration for me.

Crown335xi · 12-02-2008, 08:03 PM

i guess im spoiled with the new idrive so on an 08 i would say that would make no difference in my decision. The power in my opinion is a huge difference and and the permium sound is sick imo... so, obviously you are not a power junkie or else you would have already made your decision so in your case, from what i have read i would go for the 328. I hope my feedback helps good luck with your decision.

Crown335xi · 12-02-2008, 08:04 PM

i didnt read dchens post, i totally forgot about the standard logic7 in the 08's ... i changed my mind... get the 335

ChaneRZ · 12-02-2008, 08:12 PM

335i!

sonybony40 · 12-02-2008, 08:15 PM

The only thing you are missing on the 335i is the Nav and new iDrive. Pretty sure the 08 335 already has the Logic 7 stereo standard, also the Leather is much nicer IMHO to the Leatherette, so 335 also has that going for it. Jet Black is beautiful... when it is clean, but you better like cleaning your car. I enjoy it, so I always get black cars. I have driven both and I would say there is no comparison in the drive. But I don't know how much you care about that. I think my suggestion would be to go find an 08 that has the navigation (since it seems pretty important to you since that is all you are deciding on) with the prem and sport and negotiate the same deal you are being offered on this 08. I bet you could get it.

bimdaddy · 12-02-2008, 08:17 PM

Without a doubt.....335i

batmobl · 12-02-2008, 08:18 PM

335i as many others have said.

alex2112 · 12-02-2008, 08:20 PM

Oh no, not this again. Every thread turns into a 335 vs 328 pissing match.

My suggestion is drive both a 328 and a 335 and weigh how much more power is important to you. In this case going with the 335 will cost you 30 bucks more a month, no 6MT, no nav, and no logic7 but you will have Premium package and more power. Is it worth giving up those particular options for the increase in power? It's all about your own opinion on that.

MN BMW · 12-02-2008, 08:23 PM

Here we go again....

E90ice · 12-02-2008, 08:24 PM

335i, no question

BMWI6 · 12-02-2008, 08:36 PM

335i, you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't.

etmathews · 12-02-2008, 08:47 PM

No contest.....335

exidisjon · 12-02-2008, 09:00 PM

This is like comparing a Lancer to a EVO / A4 to a S4.....

335 no DOUBT. Also if you get an 328 you're gonna want a 335 when you see them on the road. Just like how 335 owners "hate" when they see M3's. Or is it just me.

335>328 by far.

BTW 30$ a month on top of the 335 will get you a M3 sedan. LOL

angler · 12-02-2008, 09:03 PM

everything else is backwash!

rcw119 · 12-02-2008, 09:05 PM

I'm stuck on the transmission...Stick is a big deal to me.

Well Marbled · 12-02-2008, 09:08 PM

I'm going to assume we're talking coupe here, cos you didn't mention the '09 having an updated body style.

Don't matter. Same answer either way:

335.

You can always add a Garmin to the 335, but I doubt you have the skills to turbo the 328.

Take the 335 out to some on ramp, mash down on that right pedal, feel the power spool up in some crazy, cool rush and BAM! Just like that you're a German junkie.

Now go drive the 328.

Sort of like the difference between Plaxico Burress before and after, if you know what I mean.

I would take the 335 if it had cloth seats, wind-up windows and an AM radio stuck on a station that plays "All Huey Lewis, All the time".

vgame64 · 12-02-2008, 09:10 PM

If you want a fast car: 335i.
If you want a slow car (in comparison): 328i.

Well Marbled · 12-02-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exidisjon

BTW 30$ a month on top of the 335 will get you a M3 sedan.

Dude, are you serious? That's the difference in the US?
Please tell me you're joking 'cos if you're not, then I'm moving.

vAnt826 · 12-02-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Well Marbled

Dude, are you serious? That's the difference in the US?
Please tell me you're joking 'cos if you're not, then I'm moving.

No, LOL.

12-02-2008, 07:47 PM	#1
NightHawk96 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 41 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Trying to decide between a 2009 328i vs. 2008 335i Alright, so I'm on the market for a new 3-series bimmer, and I've narrowed down my choices to the following 2 cars: 2009 BMW 328i (Custom order; ETA of two months) Jet Black on Beige Leatherette Sports Pkg. Premium Sound Pkg. Nav Pkg. Manual 2008 BMW 335i (Already on the lot; ETA of two weeks) Black Sapphire on Black Dakota Sports Pkg. Premium Pkg. 6-speed Auto w/Paddle Shifters Now initially, I was going with the 328i, but after inquiring about the 2008 335i's with the dealership salesman, he told me that the above 335i was available for only $30 more monthly, which currently has me considering that heavily as well. I know that the 70hp difference is noteworthy; and having test-driven both, have felt firsthand that the 335i has more gallop to it, but I'm still torn between the two because the 328i would be spec'd exactly the way I want it: Nav pkg. - I'll definitely be taking the car on some road trips, and all reviews have the new iDrive as being a fantastic all around system Premium Sound pkg. - I've heard that the Logic7 gives you amazing sound for the money, and that it beats the hell out of the standard sound setup Sports pkg. - the traditional caveats, plus the high-gloss shadowline trim and slick new 17' rims that are new for 2009 Beige interior Unfortunately there weren't any 08 335i's with the above options AND the Sports package, so the Sports & Premium were all I could get on it. Like I mentioned above, from the short test drive I took with both, the 335i had more kick to it at higher speeds, but the 328i was no slouch either. So it has me wondering - should I go with the proven better drive at a great price w/o the options I want, or should I go with the car that isn't as good of a drive, but has what I'd want for a good (but not as good) price on it's own. I'd really appreciate the input of anyone who's had mucho experience driving both. Will I appreciate the 335i a lot more the more I drive it, or is the 328i good enough? Decisions decisions.
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12-02-2008, 07:54 PM	#2
balance Colonel 122 Rep 2,090 Posts Drives: F32 435i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OC iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 BMW [0.00]	i would go for the 335i..you can always get a portable navigation
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12-02-2008, 07:58 PM	#3
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	I normally do say this but here it is 335i __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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12-02-2008, 08:01 PM	#4
dchen2 Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 290 Posts Drives: F80, XF Super V8 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rocky Mountain iTrader: (7)	In the USA 2008 335i/xi's have the Logic7 premium sound system standard. It was just in 2009 that BMW made the premium sound a option on 335i/335xi's. So assuming BMW Canada had the same setup as BMW USA the 335i will have the same sound system as the 09 328i with premium sound upgrade. If you plan on modding your car and like driving fast, it is much easier and cheaper to increase the power of the 335i thanks to the twin turbos compared to the NA engine in the 328i. I came from a Lexus GS430 with a V8 engine and really like low end torque so the effortless low rpm power of the 335i made the 328i not even a consideration for me.
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12-02-2008, 08:03 PM	#5
Crown335xi Private 4 Rep 67 Posts Drives: black 335xi coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	i guess im spoiled with the new idrive so on an 08 i would say that would make no difference in my decision. The power in my opinion is a huge difference and and the permium sound is sick imo... so, obviously you are not a power junkie or else you would have already made your decision so in your case, from what i have read i would go for the 328. I hope my feedback helps good luck with your decision.
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12-02-2008, 08:04 PM	#6
Crown335xi Private 4 Rep 67 Posts Drives: black 335xi coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	i didnt read dchens post, i totally forgot about the standard logic7 in the 08's ... i changed my mind... get the 335
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12-02-2008, 08:12 PM	#7
ChaneRZ If You Aint First, You're last !!! 81 Rep 2,509 Posts Drives: 08 BMW 335i, 01 Honda Prelude Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	335i! __________________ 08 BMW BSM 335i 6MT (Sports, Premium, NAV, PDC, AS, IPOD, HD Radio, Rear Sunshade, OEM Alarm) Angel iBright V3, Luminics Fog Bulb, Turbo Tuner, K&N Drop in Filter, Dinan Exhaust, Dinan Pedals, Vorsteiner CF Front Lip, and CF Rear Diffuser. Ordered:08/25/07 Started: 09/09/07 Finished: 09/14/07 On Ship: 09/15/07 Arrived: 10/08/07 Delivered: 10/10/07
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12-02-2008, 08:15 PM	#8
sonybony40 Calmer then u are... 5 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 9/07 Build 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: So Cal iTrader: (1)	The only thing you are missing on the 335i is the Nav and new iDrive. Pretty sure the 08 335 already has the Logic 7 stereo standard, also the Leather is much nicer IMHO to the Leatherette, so 335 also has that going for it. Jet Black is beautiful... when it is clean, but you better like cleaning your car. I enjoy it, so I always get black cars. I have driven both and I would say there is no comparison in the drive. But I don't know how much you care about that. I think my suggestion would be to go find an 08 that has the navigation (since it seems pretty important to you since that is all you are deciding on) with the prem and sport and negotiate the same deal you are being offered on this 08. I bet you could get it. __________________ 08 335i Sedan, Premium, Sport, Nav, CA, Paddles...BLK on BLK
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12-02-2008, 08:17 PM	#9
bimdaddy Major 37 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: 911 Carrera & G01 X3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (10)	Without a doubt.....335i __________________ 2020 X3 X-Drive 30i; Alpine White/Mocha
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12-02-2008, 08:18 PM	#10
batmobl Private 3 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	335i as many others have said. __________________ 2008 e90 Jet Black/auto/prem/nav/comfort/usb-ipod/sat/35% 3M tint/189 18" rims
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12-02-2008, 08:20 PM	#11
alex2112 Lieutenant 26 Rep 444 Posts Drives: 2016 X1 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (4)	Oh no, not this again. Every thread turns into a 335 vs 328 pissing match. My suggestion is drive both a 328 and a 335 and weigh how much more power is important to you. In this case going with the 335 will cost you 30 bucks more a month, no 6MT, no nav, and no logic7 but you will have Premium package and more power. Is it worth giving up those particular options for the increase in power? It's all about your own opinion on that.
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12-02-2008, 08:23 PM	#12
MN BMW Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 07 Montego 328 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (0)	Here we go again.... __________________ Montego/Beige with Aluminum/ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/XENON/OEM Spoiler/M Footrest/Logic7/Style 158 for Winter
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12-02-2008, 08:24 PM	#13
E90ice Banned 205 Rep 2,002 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Coupe Join Date: May 2006 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	335i, no question __________________
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12-02-2008, 08:36 PM	#14
BMWI6 Major 96 Rep 1,337 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami, Fl iTrader: (2)	335i, you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't. __________________ If everything seems under control, then you aren't going fast enough"
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12-02-2008, 08:47 PM	#15
etmathews WARRIORS come out to play yay!! 37 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 2016 F30 340i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tennessee iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i M Sport [0.00]	No contest.....335 __________________ 2016 340i M Sport/Alpine White/Black Dakota Leather/Ash Wood Trim/ M performance carbon fiber spoiler, M performance grills, M performance front splitter, M performance carbon fiber mirror caps, Llumar ATX Axcess 30% tint
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12-02-2008, 09:00 PM	#16
exidisjon PuffPuffPass 52 Rep 1,096 Posts Drives: E92 335xi AW/Saddle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (8)	This is like comparing a Lancer to a EVO / A4 to a S4..... 335 no DOUBT. Also if you get an 328 you're gonna want a 335 when you see them on the road. Just like how 335 owners "hate" when they see M3's. Or is it just me. 335>328 by far. BTW 30$ a month on top of the 335 will get you a M3 sedan. LOL
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12-02-2008, 09:03 PM	#17
angler love to fish! 46 Rep 649 Posts Drives: 13: SG 135i M-Sport Cabrio 6mt Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: riding in the ultimate tanning machine iTrader: (1)	335! everything else is backwash! __________________ PSS\|PPK\|PE\|LUX H8 V4's\|CDV Delete\|Performance Pedals\|Motorsport Emblem\|
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12-02-2008, 09:05 PM	#18
rcw119 First Lieutenant 116 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 16 F82 Sakhir Orange Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I'm stuck on the transmission...Stick is a big deal to me. __________________ Rob - rcw119 - 2016 F82 - 6MT - Sakhir Orange - 2014 E84 xDrive28i - Valencia Orange - 2008 E92 335i - 6MT - Sparkling Graphite (Retired)
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12-02-2008, 09:08 PM	#19
Well Marbled And slathered in sauce. 27 Rep 438 Posts Drives: Like an escaped convict. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Just off the information SuperHighway.I'm in the parking lot of the Strip Club w/ one of the dancers iTrader: (1)	I'm going to assume we're talking coupe here, cos you didn't mention the '09 having an updated body style. Don't matter. Same answer either way: 335. You can always add a Garmin to the 335, but I doubt you have the skills to turbo the 328. Take the 335 out to some on ramp, mash down on that right pedal, feel the power spool up in some crazy, cool rush and BAM! Just like that you're a German junkie. Now go drive the 328. Sort of like the difference between Plaxico Burress before and after, if you know what I mean. I would take the 335 if it had cloth seats, wind-up windows and an AM radio stuck on a station that plays "All Huey Lewis, All the time".
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12-02-2008, 09:10 PM	#20
vgame64 Colonel 141 Rep 2,479 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	If you want a fast car: 335i. If you want a slow car (in comparison): 328i.
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